Liberty Counsel in court today!

Posted by Mat Staver0pts on November 15, 2018

Mat Staver,Liberty Counsel

Today, Liberty Counsel is challenging another ban on counseling for unwanted same-sex attractions today in court. We will not stand by while any authoritarian government blatantly ignores the First Amendment and restricts minors from receiving counseling they desire. This is another case of Big Brother government believing they know best. Your prayers and financial support are much needed today. Please see my urgent message below — Mat.

Liberty Counsel is in federal court today seeking a preliminary injunction to suspend an ordinance adopted by the city of Tampa which prohibits licensed counselors from providing talk therapy to minors seeking to reduce or eliminate their unwanted same-sex attractions, behaviors, or identity. The ordinance imposes significant monetary fines on counselors who provide such counseling.

In this case, Liberty Counsel represents two licensed counselors and their minor clients. The sacred trust between counselors and clients establishes a unique relationship that permits the clients to inform the counselors of their goals and receive counseling consistent with such goals. That therapeutic alliance has long been held sacred and inviolable.

The city of Tampa has no authority to prohibit counselors from providing counsel their clients seek. The government has no business eavesdropping inside the counseling rooms, and the city has no authority to enact a local counseling regulation!

+ + The battle rages on...

Liberty Counsel also filed a proposed order yesterday urging the court to enter a preliminary injunction to suspend similar ordinances in Boca Raton and Palm Beach County. The proposed findings of fact and order were filed following a hearing before the federal court.

The bans on Change Therapy violate the First Amendment by imposing a viewpoint and content-based prohibition on the speech of licensed professionals who offer change counseling. They are unconstitutional and prevent minors from getting the help they seek from unwanted gender confusion. No government has the authority to prohibit a form of counseling desperately needed by children simply because it does not like the religious or moral beliefs of a particular counselor or client.

The State of Florida is the only government body with authority to regulate mental health practitioners in the state, and local government bodies are not empowered to contradict state regulations. The Florida Legislature has rejected proposals to ban change counseling.

These overreaching ordinances are a gross intrusion into the fundamental rights of counselors and clients. Every person should have access to the counsel of his or her choice.

Liberty Counsel's legal team has been fighting similar intrusive laws since 2012. We are uniquely positioned to respond to cases like this. As you undoubtedly know, we do not charge our clients for representation.

Would you prayerfully consider helping us stand against this overreaching government intrusion by generously donating in order to defray the lawsuit expenses and to continue our ongoing mission in defense of life, liberty, and family?

+ + LGBT agenda exposed!

These types of malicious bans on counseling for unwanted same-sex attractions are further evidence of how powerful LGBT lobbyists are removing obstacles to their indoctrination of young minds. Such bans are a tool in their lifestyle recruitment agenda, as with the other pro-LGBT measures being implemented in our nation's public schools.

For Big Brother to assume that it knows best what kind of counseling individuals should receive is the height of hubris and arrogance!

Such misguided ordinances will harm children, unduly stress families, and place counselors in an insoluble dilemma.

Can I count on your help to defeat another LGBT-driven intrusion into the lives of minors who are truly desirous of change?

As of today we are $42,000 short of our monthly need in November from our online community. The year-end season is often a very difficult time for nonprofit organizations, and this month is on pace to be no exception. I hope you'll prayerfully consider what God would have you do to help meet this critical need.

P.S. The sacred trust between counselors and clients establishes a unique relationship that permits the clients to inform the counselors of their goals and receive counseling consistent with those goals. However, several Florida localities are invading the private space of counselors and clients. These cases have national implications so this is not just a Florida issue.